Shinde open to discussion with BJP: Congress

New Delhi: Amid BJP's stepped up attack on Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde over his saffron terror remarks ahead of Parliament's Budget Session, Congress today struck a conciliatory note, saying doors of discussion were open between Shinde and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj on the issue.

Maintaining that the Home Minister has already clarified his remarks, party spokesperson Sandip Dikshit rued "some of the leaders in the main Opposition party are unnecessarily pressing the point to make political mileage out of it".

Sushil Kumar Shinde. Agencies.

The party also gave broad indications that a compromise formula on the issue is on the way as it is keen on smooth functioning of the session beginning tomorrow.

After the all-party meeting convened today by Speaker Meira Kumar, BJP veteran L K Advani had said, "Both sides will make efforts to find a way out for the House to function."

BJP President Rajnath Singh had earlier said, "This comment of the Home Minister is part of a conspiracy to divide the nation for vote bank politics".

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley had said Congress was indulging in "communal polarisation" through such remarks while Swaraj had said that if BJP was training terrorists then she should cease to be the Leader of the Opposition and BJP members should not be allowed in Parliament.

The Congress spokesperson, however, sought to downplay Swaraj's remarks, saying, "that is her point of view" and that there was no such statement from Congress.

Shinde is likely to talk to Swaraj and issue a statement to find a way out to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament.